8 died last weekend from drug overdoses in SW Ohio

DAYTON – A coroner's official in southwest Ohio says the eight people died from intravenous drug overdoses in the region last weekend.

The Montgomery County Coroner's Office confirmed Thursday that the eight who died in the three-county region likely were shooting heroin, and possibly heroin laced with other drugs such as fentanyl or cocaine.

Ken Betz, director of the coroner's office, tells The Dayton Daily News that it's the largest number of fatal drug overdoses during one short period that he's seen in the region.

Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer says law enforcement continues to be concerned about the heroin epidemic. He says local officials have started an initiative that targets dealers.

He said people need to know there likely is a "bad batch" of heroin on the street.